Britain announces a freeze on aid to Sri Lanka of about US$3 million that it had earlier pledged to help Sri Lanka pay its debts to the World Bank, citing concerns over deteriorating human rights.
Archive for March, 2008
The Government warns foreign diplomats not to interfere in Sri Lanka’s internal affairs or risk expulsion. Britain's High Commissioner was questioned by officials following his visit to the editor of the Daily Mirror, who had alleged that Gotabhaya Rajapakse had threatened her.
The Sri Lankan military claims that the LTTE attacked a bus in front of a military checkpoint near Ampara, killing at least 16 civilians and wounding 25 others.
Opposition UNP party accuses President Rajapaksa's administration of offering Rs.1500 million to the LTTE in connection with the November 2005 presidential elections.
Air attack on Sri Lankan air force base in Katunayake, leaving 3 killed and 16 injured: the LTTE's two armed light air craft were involved in their first ever aerial attack. The Tigers warn of similar attacks on other Sri Lankan military targets in future.
Sri Lankan senior defence officials state that the latest military campaign against the LTTE could continue for a further two to three years.
The Sri Lankan government freezes the assets of publisher Standard Newspaper Private Limited, effectively halting the publication of the newspaper 'Mawbima'.
Sri Lanka's police chief General Victor Perera admits in a press conference that Sri Lankan security forces have been implicated in abductions, extortions and killings of civilians, and that a "large number" of police officers and troops have been arrested.
UNHCR estimates that between 120,000-150,000 people were displaced during the escalation of violence in the recent months. More than 40,000 were displaced in a single week in March 2007.
SLMM reports that nearly 4,000 people have been killed in Sri Lanka in the previous 15 months, compared with 130 conflict deaths from the signing of the Ceasefire Agreement until the end of 2005. Total conflict related deaths: 69,000.
President Rajapakse visits areas that were captured from the LTTE on the eve of the 59th anniversary of independence from Britain.
Sri Lankan Development Forum: key donors review international aid and maintain that a power-sharing deal with the LTTE is crucial for further assistance.
The Sri Lankan army takes control of Vaharai and Kathiraveli, both LTTE strongholds in Batticaloa.
In a report to the Security Council, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon has - for the first time - recommended "targeted measures" against the LTTE and the Karuna faction due to the groups’ continued refusal to completely cease the recruitment of children.
The LTTE is accused of involvement in a second bomb on a Sri Lankan passenger bus near the tourist resort of Hikkaduwa, which killed at least 11 people and injuring dozens more.
